Why have Americans become so sad? … a second, related question is: Why have Americans become so mean?
“Mindwalk Mode” alert! – Two excellent questions!


Why have Americans become so sad? … a second, related question is: Why have Americans become so mean?
“Mindwalk Mode” alert! – Two excellent questions!

Today I find myself asking what kind of catechetical approach Jesus used. I have no indication he used any such catechism. In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I explore the various catechisms used over millennia.

Have you noticed? In art, Mary never seems to age! Her face seems to be outside time and the messiness of life. How could her complexion remain so immaculate?
In 1991, Pope John Paul II was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Part of his response was to set aside February 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, as a day to remember all the sick of the world.
At first glance, it may seem like quite a stretch to connect Ash Wednesday, Valentine’s Day and Systemic Change. But hear me out. Actually, it is not that hard.
For the month of February 2023, Pope Francis asks people to join with him to pray that parishes be more open communities.
That got me thinking about our longing for belonging and the possibilities of parishes.
Much to my surprise, Pope Francis seemed to comment on yesterday’s Mindwalk.
Of course, I know he never read it … but his reflection today certainly fit!
See if you agree with his comments on “Blessed are the poor in Spirit.”
Imagine that! Many have done just that… and changed their world.
Let’s look at God’s imagination and the imagination of St. Vincent de Paul.
The Jerusalem headhunters would not have been very interested in Jesus’ leadership team. They liked the way rabbis were picked from among the most promising in their schools.
Yet his choices were key in spreading his message.
My parents had a dream! Their dream of a better life kept them going.
Martin Luther King also had a dream that kept him going.
In this Mindwalk I explore how God’s dream should keep us going.
Even at 85 I was her “little brother” in our last phone call.
Here is my Mindwalk saying goodbye at the Eucharist celebrating her Resurrection.
My 91 year old sister has entered into the fullness of life she believed in.
If I were to ask you today, “which of you knows the exact date of your baptism?” I do not think there would be too many hands raised….
Yet, it is the day on which we were saved, it is the day on which we became children of God.